The Difference

JJRN · Jul 4, 2004

Aside from the obvious difference in length of time and cost, what is the primary difference between the length of programs? If NA programs offer a MSN and one is 24mo and one is 28mo, what is cut out? Is it a thesis/research project?

The important material taught would be consistent between the two, correct? Is the shorter program more intense? Any current SNRAs/CRNAs recommend to go for 24mo and get out ASAP?

Also, from those with experience, how much value do you give simulation learning?

Thanks for any info

TraumaNurse · Jul 4, 2004

I think some of the difference may be in clinical hours. My program is 27 months but by 24 mo most of the didactic work is done and the last few months are strictly OR time. Most students by that time usually have far more than the basic requirements for graduation (ie; number of lines, tubes, regionals etc). The seniors I talked to in my program call the last 3 months 'free labor'. It is very important to fine tune skills, get lots of OR time and be ready to jump into the real world on graduation.

I think the 24 month programs may be a little more intense in some ways too. For me 27 months hardly seems like enough time to learn what I need to know, I would be even more stressed if it was 24 months. Although, I'm sure the graduates from the 24 month programs are very well prepared in the end.

Also, some of the longer programs, such as 30+ months, really just stretch out some of the didactic portion and their anesthesia training is the same as the 27-28 month programs.

It would be nice to hear the point of view of someone attending a 24 month program.

JJRN · Jul 4, 2004

traumanurse...thanks for the response, I PM'd u.

pnurseuwm · Jul 4, 2004

If you go to aana.com you will see that na programs can go from 24 months to like 36 months. I'm not a CRNA, but from what I've heard on this board is that some programs may have more "nursing theory" that may add months to the program. If you check out each program's curriculum, you will see that some offer the MSN, some offer a MS in biology, some emphasize the sciences, some emphasize the nursing aspect, thus depending on what the school is trying to acheive (it's a good idea to check out the mission/goal statements of the programs), the length of the program will vary accordingly.

All of the programs listed on the aana website are suppose to consist of an approved curriculum to ensure that the students are well equipped to pass the boards.

It all depends on what you want to do. Some people want lots of experience with regional anesthesia, some want lots of choices of clinical locations, some people like front-loaded programs while others want integrated curriculums, etc. Students apply to the types of programs where they feel they will learn the best.

Best of luck to you.